Archaeological Digital Archiving in Turkey

Internet Archaeology

Abstract

This article provides a brief overview of archaeological digital archiving in Turkey. It introduces the legal framework and the stakeholders involved in conducting archaeological excavations and surveys. The current situation in archiving born-digital and digitised documentation produced during archaeological fieldwork is then introduced. Existing repositories serving as hubs for archaeological and heritage archiving are listed and briefly discussed. Analysis of online publishing practices for archaeological digital resources points to an eclectic landscape that only minimally complies with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. We conclude that guidelines for best practice in metadata and semantic technologies, locally applicable standards (especially controlled vocabularies), technical know-how, and a larger acceptance of open data and scholarship remain much-needed assets for archaeological digital archiving in Turkey. We also conclude that the future promises progress towards more interoperable archaeological digital archives thanks to international training, network and knowledge transfer opportunities (e.g. SEADDA Project).

Authors 3

1. Nurdan Atalan Çayırezmez corresponding

   British Institute at Ankara · British Institute at Ankara

   Affiliation as printed

   British Institute at Ankara

2. Piraye Hacıgüzeller

   University of Antwerp

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Antwerp

   University of Antwerp *

3. Tuna Kalaycı Aachen

   Leiden University · University of Antwerp · British Institute at Ankara · British Institute at Ankara

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University

   British Institute at Ankara

   University of Antwerp